Mt. Wolchulsan National Park

Mt. Wolchulsan National Park is located in Jeollanam-do. Wolchulsan was designated Korea’s 20th national park in 1988, and is South Korea’s smallest national park. The name Wolchulsan denotes “mountain where the moon rises”. The “Cloud Bridge” (구름다리) is a 52-meter-long suspension bridge, 120 meters high. The five of us hiked to the Cheonhwangbong Peak (809m above sea level) which is located at the center. The entire area was filled with rocky mountains and breathtaking peaks. There were narrow and beautiful waterfalls along the way, unusually shaped rocks, rugged terrain and steel stairways (52m steel bridge spanning two ridges) that practically led up to heaven. It was a challenging strenuous and worthwhile climb! The only thing that would have made this day reach perfection is bungee jumping off that amazing orange bridge.

Korean campground. The tents were set up on, what looked like large platforms. The nature trail was 10 feet away from the grounds.

We did it!

Kindergarten Performs
Edu Best kindergarten classes perform mini-dramas twice a year. Last year my students performed an “Under the Sea” themed skit, while this year a new set of students performed “The Lion King!” The kids had a great time rehearsing and performing and of course I was so very proud of them for their efforts and showing off their natural talents! Here they are wearing their lion king headbands.


Paul was so proud to represent Pumbaa

I’m going to miss my favorite students when I leave.

Love,

Heather

Typhoon Kompasu

Direct message from the U.S. Embassy in Seoul:

The U.S. Embassy in Seoul is transmitting the following information through the Embassy’s Warden System as a public service to all U.S. citizens in the Republic of Korea. Please disseminate this message broadly to U.S. citizens.

This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens residing or traveling in the Republic of Korea that the Korea Meteorological Administration has issued alerts for a Category 3 storm, Typhoon Kompasu. As of 1230 (local time) on Wednesday, September 1, Typhoon Kompasu was located approximately 263 kilometers or 163 miles southwest of Cheju island and traveling north at 33 km/h (20 mph). It is expected to turn in a northeast direction and pass very near Seoul at approximately 1500 (local time) on Thursday, September 2.

The Korea Meteorological Administration reports that the maximum sustained wind speed in the storm is 157 km/h (98 mph). While Typhoon Kompasu’s winds are expected to decrease over the next 36 hours, sustained maximum winds when the storm reaches Seoul are still predicted to be as high as 150 Km/h (93 mph).

There is currently a Typhoon Alert for Cheju Island.

At 0800 on September 1, US Forces Korea issued a Tropical Cyclone Condition Of Readiness (TCCOR) 1 alert for the southern part of Korea, including Gwangju, Kunsan, Busan, and Daegu, meaning that winds of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater are occurring or are forecast to affect these areas within the next 12 hours. US Forces Korea also issued a Tropical Cyclone Condition Of Readiness (TCCOR) 2 alert for the rest of the Republic of Korea, including Seoul, Suwon, Incheon, and Osan, meaning that winds of 50 knots (58 mph) or greater are occurring or are forecast to affect these areas within the next 24 hours.

Expected rainfall throughout the affected regions is predicted to be as much as 6 inches. You should remove or secure all outside items, stock up on emergency supplies of food, water, and cash in case of storm-related power outages.

For further details, see either of the following websites: Korea Meteorological Administration: http://web.kma.go.kr/eng/index.jsp or the U.S. Navy Joint Typhoon Warning Center’s Tropical Cyclone Warning: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tc_pages/tc10/WPAC/08W.KOMPASU/ssmi/gif/full/Latest.html You should also monitor the typhoon’s track by listening to the radio, watching television, or monitoring AFN radio at 102.7 FM in Seoul and 88.5 FM and 88.3 FM in other parts of Korea.

We will continue to monitor Typhoon Kompasu’s track and will issue updated messages as appropriate.

Be sure to locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions. Carry your travel documents at all times (e.g., U.S. Passport, birth certificate, photo ID’s, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. You should also contact friends and family in the United States with updates about your whereabouts.

travel.state.gov/travel